Lothian crime: Farming communities in Lothian hit hard as police issue warnings over stolen quad bikes

According to the National Farmer Union, “Global supply chain issues, shipping delays and the impact of Covid and Brexit have contributed to waiting lists for new quads and increased demand. used kits”.

This has led to an increase in quad thefts in the UK, with areas of Scotland including Lothians, Scottish Borders and Aberdeenshire being consistently affected.

Constable Lynn Black from Police Scotland’s National Rural and Acquired Crime Unit explained: ‘Shortages of supply mean criminals are taking advantage of this ready made illicit market and we are also urging people to check carefully what they buy and not steal fuel from a fellow farmer.

“We recently successfully recovered quads with the installation of a tracker, which Police Scotland always recommend. After key removal, trackers and immobilizers are the most effective measures against quad theft, acting both as a deterrent and also increasing the chances that the police will recover the vehicle and catch the people behind these crimes.

“We are working with police forces across the border, including Northumbria, County Durham and Cumbria, to share intelligence and disrupt criminal gangs who travel to Scotland to commit crimes.

“We urge anyone with information about a quad theft to report it to 101 or share information anonymously with Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.”

As well as Lothians, police recently confirmed farm vehicles in Lanarkshire, Ayrshire, Dumfries and Galloway had been targeted.

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